The proposed US ban of TikTok this week has found support within pro-Israel circles, with concerns raised about the proliferation of antisemitic content on the platform.
The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), a significant Jewish organization representing 350 Jewish groups, sent a letter to members of Congress this week indicating its steadfast support.
“The single most important issue to our Jewish communities today is the dramatic rise in antisemitism,” the letter stated. “Our community understands that social media is a major driver of drive-in antisemitism and that TikTok is the worst offender by far.”
TikTok’s parent company is beholden to the Chinese government, which has squarely positioned itself against Israel since October 7th. It has filled its state-controlled media and social media channels with antisemitic and anti-Israel rhetoric, says JFNA.
A Pew Research Center survey released Wednesday found that a third of US adults use the short-video sharing platform TikTok. According to research by JNFA, in just one year, antisemitic comments on TikTok rose by 912%. In addition, those who use TikTok for over 30 minutes a day are 17 percent more likely to hold antisemitic or anti-Israel views, compared to 6 percent on Instagram and 2 percent on X.
The TikTok bill saw unanimous support in the Energy and Commerce Committee, advancing it to the full House of Representatives with a 50-0 vote on Wednesday. The legislation requires ByteDance to divest from the app within six months or face a ban in the US.
